What size Hobie?

I'm a long time fisherman ,mostly ocean,and new to the kayak world.After doing a little research I really like the idea of the Hobie Mirage propulsion system.I'm 6', 195 lbs and I will be fishing mostly ocean, bays and lakes.What size Hobie do I need?Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.Thankyou.Tim ,North Coast.

revo or adventure is what you should get in my opinion, faster.  stability and turning ability is not as good on the adventure but stability can be learned.  i've been in some pretty wild water on my adventure and haven't felt like i was going to tip at all.  i'm a bit shorter than you but weigh nearly the same. 

if you are not much of a river guy then either of the two should work fine.  there is a slight learning curve with the hobies, figuring out their little quirks.  where do you live?  go test some out.  i think windtoys in santa rosa will demo them as well cck in oakland and sunrise mountain sports has demos out at lake del valle.

Thanks Ben. I live up in Garberville ,which is about 60 miles south of Eureka.There are some outdoor stores up there that do sell Hobies so I guess i need to get on the phone and see who does demos.Hopefully I can reach or meet people on this site that live in my area.Thanks for the advise.Tim   

Hi Yakers:

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http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,22224.0.html

I have no Intel except that stay away from thru the Scupper Hole
Carts!  Read the Link below for a REALLY sad Story!

Yeah, but this happens with every brand, not just Hobies.  Don't scare the poor guy away from Hobies, let the price tag do that.    Coming from somebody who owns 2 of them.

Michael

I'm also 6' and 195 pounds--I love my Revo.  Also loved it when I weighed 225.  Wish I had an Adventure too--maybe I'll get one in the next year or two.  Either one should be great.  Try 'em out.

So what are the advantages or disadvantages of the Mirage propulsion system vs a paddle kayak?

Definitely try both the Revolution and the Adventure. Also keep in mind about the deck space between the two for your fishfinder and rod holders. Just my .02.

Jedmo

If you're looking for "super stability" then try out the Hobie Outback.  I love mine very much and it's fast enough for me!

Also note the adventure is 2-3 ft longer than the revo so it takes more storage space. Also it is a bit more awkward to carry and handle due to the length and distribution of weight. I can carry mine but I was recently handling my new revo and found it much easier to manhandle.

So what are the advantages or disadvantages of the Mirage propulsion system vs a paddle kayak?

Ever since I got my Hobie Revo my shoulder joints/rotator cuffs have stopped hurting. I can pedal my yak all day with no pain at the end of the day. Which would happen sometimes with my old paddle yaks after a full long day. In addition all of the Hobie kayaks have some really nice features. The twist and stow rudder works really well. Cost more.....but you get what you pay for.....in this case a quality well engineered product.

Also by having both the mirage drive and a paddle you have two modes of propulsion which is good for enhanced safety. You can go faster for longer with the drive than most people can paddle.

There is a new store in Ukiah that sells the Hobie kayaks. I went in there and they had a good selection of kayak stuff like paddles, pfds, and a bunch of kayaks including the OK and WS brands. It is on N State St. jim

So what are the advantages or disadvantages of the Mirage propulsion system vs a paddle kayak?

I used a peddle yak (not Hobie) and I own a Malibu x-13 (paddle yak), and a couple inflatables.

-The peddle yak rocks for trolling, regulating your speed and doing zig zags is so nice.
-holding a fishing pole while trolling
-using your legs for getting around
-maneuvering with a fish on

You can stick a paddle on the side and use it when the water is shallow or you get into weeds. Just pull the drive up and start paddling. Its just seems to add some nice options IMO.

  I have a Revo and an Outback and like both.  I am 6'5" 250 and the outback is great for me and anything I want to bring along. I have turbo fins on my drive and can crank at 4 plus knots all day long and not have a sore muscle the next day!  The Revo is nice to and a hell of a lot easier to throw on top of my suburban!  They are both great for trolling and I have had both in rather rough water and always felt very balanced.  I believe there are only two kinds of kayak fishermen, Hobie owners and kayak fishermen that are saving their money for a hobie! 

disadvantages: less deck space due to the mirage drive system, less cash in the wallet to purchase tackle

Michael

So what are the advantages or disadvantages of the Mirage propulsion system vs a paddle kayak?

The number one advantage of a Hobie Mirage Drive to me is that even in a big swell, wind and current, I can sit on structure in deep water and vertically jig. Watch which yaks land last when the ocean gets real snotty. Makes me feel safe out there.